Marathon State of Mind

In this episode we are joined by Dr Sarah McKay, a neuroscientist with a PhD from Oxford University. Dr McKay specialises in translating brain research into strategies for professionals working in coaching, mental health, education and healthcare via training courses, books and from the stage. She is the founder and director of The Neuroscience Academy, which provides continuing education and development to professionals wishing to use neuroscience in their work as a tool for human change. Dr McKay is also the author of The Women's Brain Book: The neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness, which explores the female lifespan through the lens of neurobiology. In 2019, Sarah hosted an episode of ABC Catalyst exploring brain health, bio-hacking and longevity.

Topics discussed in this episode include: Popular myths about the brain; How to build brain health; Dealing with uncertainty

Links:

Dr Sarah McKay Instagram

drsarahmckay.com

Eloise Wellings Instagram

Rory Darkins Instagram

In this episode we are joined by Brad Beer. Brad is one of Australia's leading voices in athlete health and performance. Through his Physiotherapy practice, POGO Physio, Brad has worked with countless Professional and Olympic level athletes to help them bounce back from injury and move towards their potential. Brad is also the host of the incredibly popular podcast The Physical Performance Show in which he explores physical health and performance through interviews with high performing athletes and expert practitioners.

An accomplished athlete himself, Brad has a rich perspective on the physical and emotional process of moving through injury and towards your physical health and performance potential. Themes in this episode include: Brad's experience with performance anxiety; the importance of strength training; bone and tendon health; stress fractures & considerations in choosing running surfaces; and the body's ability to adapts and improve.

Follow Brad on Insatgram: Brad_Beer

In this episode we are joined by New Zealand cricketer, Lockie Ferguson. Lockie is known as one of the fastest bowlers in the world, regularly clocking speeds over 150km/h. In 2019 he was one of the standout performers of the Cricket World Cup where his 21 wickets helped New Zealand reach the final, in which they famously tied with England. Lockie finished as the second highest wicket taker and was named in the World Cup team of the tournament.

Lockie discusses what he has learnt through the highs and lows of international sport and why mental skills are just as relevant outside of sport as they are for performance. Other themes include the role of humility in high performance, what makes a great team culture, and why it's important not to allow who you are to be solely defined by what you do.

Lockie is co-founder of Machineroad, a mobile app that enables you to see how fast you bowl.

Social Media handles:

Lockie Ferguson Instagram

In this episode, Dutch Olympic Runner Susan Krumins discusses her path to becoming one of Europe's best athletes. Susan shares what she learned during the Covid-19 lockdown that helped her and her followers build positivity amidst the uncertainty and challenges of the pandemic. Susan also discusses her new training journal 'Dreams' and outlines why daring to pursue what you love can be such a worthwhile pursuit regardless of the outcome. Susan sheds light on her unique (and very creative) approach to weekly planning and goal setting and why being fully present in the moment enables high performance to happen. 

Follow Susan on Instagram @susankrumins

Check out Susan's Dreams Journal (currently only available in Dutch, but what better way to learn the language?)

Susan's "Dying Swan" Impersonation: 

Follow hosts @elzywellings @rorydarkins

On this episode Eloise and Rory are joined by Eric Winters, a self-leadership coach, speaker and author of “Swipe Right on Your Best Self”. Eric has spent the last 12 years helping leaders and teams bring their best selves to challenges. Topics covered include gratitude, passion, purpose and how “courageous authenticity” can help you live a life with fewer regrets. To learn more about Eric, check out his www.ericwinters.com.au

This episode is with Sarah Walker, a New Zealand Sporting Legend. Sarah has been World Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist, and is shooting for Gold in Tokyo 2021. Sarah is also a member of the International Olympic Committee Athletes Commission. In this conversation, Sarah details her journey in overcoming fear of failure in order to freely explore what's possible. Sarah shares so much wisdom that is relevant to anyone looking to move beyond limiting beliefs and towards the best version of themselves.

Sarah Walker Instagram

Eloise Wellings Instagram

Rory Darkins Instagram

What's Right Within Facebook

In this episode, elite USA Marathon Runner Sara Hall discusses her recent second place finish in the London Marathon in an incredible personal record of 2:22:01. If you haven't seen the footage of Sara's phenomenal finish, we highly recommend looking it up! Using marathon as a metaphor for life, Eloise, Rory and Sara dive deep into the mindset and mental skills that have enabled Sara to consistently improve, adapt and get the best out of herself in the most challenging situations. Key themes include fear of failure, gratitude, self-talk, taking risks, finding joy in hard work and the power of perspective in bouncing back from disappointments.

Relevant links from episode:

Sara and Ryan Hall's Website

The Hall Steps Foundation

Sara Hall Instagram 

Eloise Wellings Instagram

Rory Darkins Instagram

In this episode, Eloise and Rory discuss listener questions about pressure, stress, recovery, fear, joy, breath practices, relationships and effective mental health & well-being strategies. It's a broad a deep dive into some really fundamental human experiences and how to navigate them.

In this episode we are joined by Dr Ross Walker to discuss the role of health in pursuing potential and thriving in life. Dr Ross is an expert in the field of preventative cardiology and has published seven books. He gives lectures nationally and internationally and has his own weekly radio show healthy living on Macquarie radio network. We cover some of the links between our physical and mental health and what Dr Ross has come to learn works for him and many of his patients in building habits that serve lifelong health. 

This episode is with Brooke Neal, a New Zealand Olympian, Mindset Coach, Yoga Teacher and Speaker. Brooke recently retired from the New Zealand Hockey Team (The Black Sticks) having played 176 internationals, including 4th place at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Brooke really gets mindset. In fact, she credits her development of mental skills and playing to her strengths as key reasons why she was able to transform from a “Baby Giraffe” warming the bench for her high school team to becoming one of the most valuable players in the country. Brooke is the founder of Finding Her Balance, an 8-week online program to help female teenage athletes learn the skills of mindset, mindfulness and well-being so that they can explore their potential with confidence in a healthy and sustainable way.

To learn more about Brooke and her workshops, online course and speaking:

Brooke Neal Website

Brooke Neal Instagram

All About Balance Instagram